James Harden recently witnessed firsthand the global reach of the NBA during his trip to China.
On Monday, as part of the LA Clippers guard`s “UNO Tour” with Adidas, an impressive outdoor basketball court featuring a colossal mural of Harden was unveiled in Guangzhou, China. According to details provided by the Clippers, designer Yin incorporated imagery from the 2025 “UNO Tour” into the court`s design. Notably, the tour`s slogan `Under No One` is prominently displayed along one sideline, a clever reference that also subtly nods to Harden`s jersey number, 1.
The highly anticipated court reveal took place under the rain. Harden initially appeared quite surprised and puzzled as officials removed the tarp covering the court. His confusion quickly turned to visible joy, prompting him to react with excited fist pumps.
“Thank you, guys. I know it`s raining, but you`re here supporting me, I love you all very much,” Harden gratefully addressed the hundreds of fans who braved the weather to attend the ceremony.
Just a few days prior to the court unveiling, thousands of devoted fans had already packed into a Guangzhou City mall to get a glimpse of Harden. During this appearance, he graciously signed his signature Adidas sneakers and jerseys for enthusiastic supporters.
“You guys never cease to amaze me; every time feels like the first time… I just hope you know the love is reciprocated,” Harden later shared in a heartfelt social media post, expressing his appreciation for his Chinese fanbase.
Since 2019, Harden has made regular tours to China, primarily to celebrate the launch of his latest signature Adidas shoe models. A notable visit in 2023, while he was still playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, garnered significant media attention. During that trip, Harden went viral for publicly criticizing Daryl Morey, the 76ers president of basketball operations, an incident that occurred shortly before his eventual trade to the Clippers.
In late June, Harden solidified his future with the Clippers, extending his contract for another two years in a deal valued at $81.5 million. In the preceding 2024-25 season, he showcased his consistent performance, averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists, earning him a well-deserved spot on the All-NBA Third Team.
